Hamas says it agrees to release Israeli hostages | The Express Tribune
Key Takeaways
- Hamas agreed to release all Israeli hostages, living and dead, based on the exchange formula in Trump's proposal.
- Hamas explicitly stated it seeks further negotiations on key points regarding the future of Gaza and Palestinian rights.
- The statement did not mention accepting the disarmament of Hamas or its complete removal from Gaza's governance, a key demand of the US plan.
- The agreement followed a strict deadline and threat issued by Donald Trump for Hamas to accept the US peace plan.
- Intense Israeli military operations continued in Gaza City, with reports of civilian casualties and aid organizations condemning the displacement crisis.
Hamas has issued a statement agreeing to release all remaining Israeli hostages, both living and dead, provided the exchange formula in President Trump's proposal is met, though it simultaneously signaled the need for further negotiations on other critical elements. Specifically, Hamas renewed its commitment to hand over Gaza's administration to a body of independent technocrats, but notably omitted acceptance of the plan's demand for its own disarmament and withdrawal from governance. This announcement came after Donald Trump issued a harsh deadline, threatening "all hell" would break out if the US peace plan, which includes a ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal, was not accepted. Meanwhile, on the ground, heavy Israeli bombardment continued in Gaza City, with local civil defense reporting multiple fatalities, while the UN and aid groups stressed that no place in Gaza remains safe for civilians fleeing the intensified offensive.
